Article Posted: February 02, 2004

COLUMBUS, OH -- Ohio's 74 state parks are brimming with beauty this winter,offering inspiring environments for fitness and fun. Trek along miles ofscenic state park trails, hop on a sled or slip on a pair of skis. Whatbetter way to burn calories and delight the senses than at Ohio State Parks?

Spend a day playing in the snow; then a night relaxing in a quaint cottageor in front of a cozy fireplace at an Ohio State Park resort lodge. Specialdiscounts and rates are available throughout the winter season. "Ohio's scenic parks provide the perfect setting for a range of healthyoutdoor activities for the entire family," said Dan West, Ohio State Parkschief. "From trails for hiking and cross-country skiing to ice skating andsledding, there's certainly something for everyone. I encourage all Ohioansto get outdoors and enjoy our wonderful state park system."All Ohio State Parks offer beautiful settings for outdoor activities withmany featuring organized hikes, maple syrup festivals, night walks, and skiworkshops throughout February and March. Learn about the habits of Ohio's owls and take a guided walk on twoSaturdays, February 7 and 14, at Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County;or visit Van Buren State Park in Hancock County on Saturday, February 21 forits Owl Prowl. Malabar Farm also is hosting a cross-country skiingbeginner's workshop on Sunday, February 8.Enjoy a winter hike along the Buckeye Trail Saturday, February 7, at FindleyState Park in Lorain County. If you prefer a romantic hike on Valentine'sDay, February 14, visit Caesar Creek State Park in Warren County or HockingHills State Park in Hocking County. Malabar Farm will host its Winter HikeFor Health on Saturday, February 21, followed by hot bean soup and cornbreadat the finish.If you haven't shaken the winter doldrums by March, consider a low-impactactivity by attending one of the many maple sugar festivals going on atstate parks across Ohio, including Indian Lake, Malabar Farm, Hocking Hillsand Hueston Woods. As the snow continues to fall this winter season, outdoor enthusiasts canenjoy gliding down sledding hills at Maumee Bay, Punderson and Scioto Trailor cross-country skiing at a number of state parks. Skis can be rented atQuail Hollow and Malabar Farm. Ice skating areas are available at Dillon andDelaware state parks. Staying active during Ohio's cold winter months is important, remember toexercise common sense. Select activities that match your level of fitness.And don't forget to dress appropriately for the weather to avoid hypothermiaor frostbite. That means wearing a warm coat and keeping your hands, headand feet covered. Don't underestimate the dangers of cold.Plan an overnight adventure or weekend getaway and take advantage of thecottage specials at Buck Creek, Cowan Lake, Pike Lake, Lake Hope, Mohican,Pymatuning, Hocking Hills and Dillon state parks. Throughout the winterseason, cottage discounts of $20 and $10 off regular nightly rates will beavailable during the week and weekends. Starting February 16, cottagereservations can be made over the Internet at ohiodnr.com Savings continue with low winter rates at the eight Ohio State Park resortlodges: Punderson, Burr Oak, Maumee Bay, Mohican, Salt Fork, Hueston Woods,Deer Creek and Shawnee.